Charisma by Avon c1968

Launched in 1968, Charisma by Avon was aptly named to evoke feelings of allure and charm. The word "charisma," derived from the Greek "kharisma," refers to a compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others. Pronounced as "kuh-RIZ-muh," the term conjures images of confidence, magnetism, and personal appeal. In a time when women were increasingly asserting their independence and embracing their individuality, a fragrance named Charisma spoke directly to the aspirations of its audience. It represented not just a scent but an ideal—an embodiment of the confidence and allure that many women sought in their daily lives.

The emotional resonance of Charisma is profound; it evokes a sense of empowerment and sophistication, qualities that many women of the late 1960s aspired to project. As they navigated a rapidly changing cultural landscape, this perfume offered an olfactory signature that was both modern and timeless. Women of the time might have viewed Charisma as a means to express their personality and influence, serving as an accessory that complemented their fashion choices and social aspirations. The name suggested a fragrance that could enhance one's allure, making it a fitting companion for the confident and dynamic woman of the era.

In terms of scent, Charisma is classified as an aldehydic floral fragrance for women, characterized by its distinctive opening of aldehydes, which impart a sparkling and effervescent quality. This refreshing top note transitions into a dry floral heart that adds depth and sophistication, featuring a harmonious blend of blossoms that might include rose, jasmine, and lily. Resting on a sensual, balsamic base, the fragrance incorporates warm and woody elements that enhance its allure. This combination of floral, woody, and modern perfumery notes places Charisma in line with the prevailing trends of the 1960s, a decade marked by a fascination with innovative and complex fragrance compositions.

During this period, the fragrance market was experiencing a shift towards more dynamic and expressive scents, moving away from traditional floral compositions to embrace new aromatic possibilities. Charisma's unique blend of aldehydic freshness and rich florals positioned it well within this context, appealing to women who desired a fragrance that encapsulated both elegance and modernity. While it was not the only fragrance to embrace these qualities, Charisma’s thoughtful composition and evocative name contributed to its lasting appeal in a time when women were redefining their roles in society and seeking ways to express their identities through scent.

Fragrance Composition:

So what does it smell like? It is classified as an aldehydic floral fragrance for women. It begins with an aldehydic top, followed by a dry floral heart, resting on a sensual, balsamic base. A harmonious blend of floral, woody and brilliant modern perfumery notes.

• Top notes: aldehydes, Calabrian bergamot, Georgian peach, Italian neroli, Dutch hyacinth and Russian coriander
• Middle notes: Florentine orris, French carnation, Grasse jasmine, Bulgarian rose, Dutch narcissus, Nossi-Be ylang-ylang and Alpine lily of the valley
• Base notes: Cypriot labdanum, Mysore sandalwood, Ambreine, Ethiopian civet, Tibetan musk, Venezuelan tonka bean, Mexican vanilla and Sumatran styrax

Scent Profile:

Charisma unfurls in a sparkling burst of aldehydes, their effervescent brightness creating an almost champagne-like fizz on the skin. These airy, metallic notes lift the fragrance, lending it an immediate sense of refinement—clean, sophisticated, and undeniably modern. The citrusy brilliance of Calabrian bergamot quickly follows, its honeyed freshness providing a radiant contrast to the aldehydes. This bergamot, cultivated in the sun-drenched groves of Calabria, carries a fuller, richer depth than its counterparts, with a subtly floral and slightly herbal nuance that softens the sharp edges of the opening. 

A luscious Georgian peach ripens in the background, its delicate sweetness reminiscent of sun-warmed fruit, velvety and juicy yet restrained, adding a gentle softness to the composition. Then, the elegance of Italian neroli emerges—a shimmering, green-inflected citrus bloom with a slightly waxy, orange-blossom sweetness, evoking the scent of white petals crushed between the fingers. The dewy coolness of Dutch hyacinth drapes itself over the composition, a green, slightly aquatic floral that adds a springtime crispness. Finally, the subtly spicy, lemony bite of Russian coriander offers a whisper of warmth, its peppery, herbal glow hinting at the depth that lies beneath the surface.

As the fragrance develops, it transitions into a heart where florals reign supreme, yet each bloom brings a different character to the bouquet. The soft powderiness of Florentine orris, one of the most prized perfumery materials, adds a luxurious, almost suede-like texture to the blend, its violet-tinged earthiness creating a sense of depth and timeless sophistication. French carnation follows with its spiced floral bite, reminiscent of warm cloves mingling with fresh petals, lending a subtle heat to the fragrance’s core. 

The regal presence of Grasse jasmine, harvested in the perfume capital of France, infuses the composition with a honeyed, almost narcotic richness, its heady aroma deepened by the dusky, slightly fruity opulence of Bulgarian rose. A breath of Dutch narcissus adds a green, almost hay-like sweetness, its wild, slightly indolic nature weaving between the more refined florals. The tropical sensuality of Nossi-Be ylang-ylang, sourced from the pristine island off Madagascar’s coast, unfolds with its creamy, banana-like facets, bringing a golden glow to the arrangement. Finally, the gentle sweetness of Alpine lily of the valley peeks through like dewdrops on fresh petals, a delicate, green-white floralcy that provides an airy freshness to balance the heart’s complexity.

As Charisma settles into its base, warmth and sensuality take hold, creating a lasting impression of refined depth. Cypriot labdanum, resinous and ambery, seeps into the composition with its rich, leathery warmth, adding a slightly animalic undertone that enhances the fragrance’s allure. Mysore sandalwood, famed for its creamy smoothness and soft, woody sweetness, provides a velvety foundation, its warm, milky facets blending seamlessly with the lingering florals. The depth of Ambreine, a sophisticated, ambery note, envelops the fragrance in a golden radiance, wrapping it in an intimate embrace. 

The animalic depth of Ethiopian civet, subtly musky and warm, lends a natural sensuality to the blend, accentuated by the ethereal softness of Tibetan musk, a note that seems to hum beneath the skin rather than announce itself outright. The slightly nutty, vanillic warmth of Venezuelan tonka bean drapes itself over the composition, its comforting richness tempered by the luscious sweetness of Mexican vanilla, which adds a gourmand facet without veering into overt sweetness. Finally, Sumatran styrax deepens the base with its balsamic, leathery darkness, a final flourish of mystery that lingers long after the fragrance has dried down.

Charisma is a fragrance of exquisite balance—a juxtaposition of freshness and warmth, floral elegance and sensual depth. It is a scent that feels timeless yet modern, refined yet deeply inviting, a whisper of sophistication that clings to the skin like an aura of quiet confidence.

Fate of the Fragrance:

Still produced by Avon.

CHARISMA PERFUME BY AVON ON EBAY